Commissioners Celebrate Black History Month

Hamilton County Commissioners honored five local African American leaders for their civic contributions to Hamilton County. As part of the celebration of Black History Month, the honorees were recognized by commissioners during the Commission Meeting on Thursday, February 16th. Commissioners also lit up the Hamilton County Courthouse in Pan-African colors for the entire month of February.

Feb. 16th is "Marcia M. Broadnax Day" in Hamilton County in honor of her dedicated work in the community, serving as a long-standing community volunteer and advocate whose work fosters an inclusive and supportive environment for growth and opportunity for Hamilton County families.

Feb. 17th is "Dr. C. Keith Melvin, MD Day" in honor of the esteemed lecturer, motivational speaker and medical doctor who helped start the Black and White Cancer Survivors Foundation, emphasizing the importance of early detection of cancer in underserved communities. Dr. Melvin also served as the medical director for Mercy Health’s first urban Covid-19 screening site in Bond Hill.

Feb. 19th is "Dolores Lindsay Day" in Hamilton County in honor of her more than 53-year career devoted to the health care needs of the uninsured or underinsured. She founded Healthcare Connection in 1967, the first federally recognized Community Health Center in the state of Ohio.

Feb. 20th is "Gwen McFarlin Day" in Hamilton County in honor of her work in health care, social justice, civil rights, and voting rights in both the private and public sectors. She began her career as a registered nurse, public health advocate, and first African American elected Trustee in Springfield Township and first African American appointed to the Board of Elections.

Feb. 21st is "Judge Tyrone K. Yates Day" in Hamilton County in honor of the former Cincinnati City Council Member and Vice Mayor, former State Representative, and Hamilton County Judge who continues his public service on and off the bench by volunteering to serve on several nonprofit boards including the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

To continue their commitment during Black History Month, Commissioners plan to take action on the results of the Disparity Study during their Tuesday, Feb. 21st Staff Meeting.